Academic & Behavioral Support Services Assessments for IEPs/504/UA & More
Academic & Behavioral Support Services Assessments for IEPs/504/UA & More
This video will help you understand the different educational scenarios offered in Florida, including options for homeschooling Florida, and which may choose an FLDOE norm-referenced assessment, like STAR. Additionally, it discusses how these scenarios align with Florida education laws and initiatives such as Step Up for Students.
A public school is a tuition-free, government-funded school that must accept and educate all children within a designated geographic area, adhering to Florida education laws. This concept emphasizes open access, no tuition, and government oversight. All charter schools in Florida are considered public schools and are part of the state’s program of public education. Unlike private institutions, charter schools in Florida can be newly established or formed by converting existing public schools. Some of these schools even offer full online programs for K–12 students, which can appeal to families exploring homeschooling in Florida. When a student enrolls in a virtual charter school, funding is allocated to the district where the virtual school operates, not to the student’s home district. Programs like Step Up for Students can provide additional support for families navigating these educational options.
Students enrolled in a private school, regardless of whether they receive PEP, UA, or no scholarship funding, must adhere to the curriculum that the school has established. According to Florida education laws, private schools have the option to opt out of state assessments or select an alternative assessment. No additional assessments are mandated. This also applies to 'Umbrella Schools' that comply with the grade and attendance policies but provide parents the flexibility to control the educational environment, supporting various options including homeschooling in Florida and programs like Step Up for Students.
When a family registers with a Florida private school that supports home-based learning, which is a registered school complying with Florida education laws, this institution adheres to state attendance and recordkeeping policies, providing a structured option for homeschooling in Florida. Additionally, families may explore programs like Step Up for Students to enhance their educational opportunities.
In accordance with Florida education laws, a Florida-certified teacher provides instruction for at least 180 days. This option for homeschooling in Florida does not require a portfolio or district oversight but adheres to the necessary regulations. Additionally, programs like Step Up for Students can support families in navigating these educational choices.
In accordance with Florida education laws, parents have the responsibility to direct their child’s learning when homeschooling in Florida. This includes choosing the curriculum and setting the pace of education. Families must: Submit a Letter of Intent to the local school district, maintain a portfolio of learning activities and work samples, and complete an annual evaluation to ensure compliance with regulations, such as those outlined by Step Up for Students.
This letter notifies your school district that you are establishing a Home Education Program in accordance with Florida education laws. You must file the LOI within 30 days of beginning your homeschooling in Florida.
Florida Statute 1002.41 requires only three pieces of information:
Your child’s full legal name
Date of birth
Address
Every year, by the anniversary of your LOI filing date, you must submit an evaluation showing educational progress in accordance with Florida education laws. For those involved in homeschooling Florida, options for this evaluation include a certified teacher evaluation, standardized test results, or other approved methods, which may also relate to programs like Step Up for Students.
A portfolio for homeschooling in Florida includes:
A log of educational activities (list of materials used, books, curriculum, etc.) and samples of the student’s work. This portfolio must be maintained for two years to comply with Florida education laws and must be made available to the superintendent if requested with 15 days’ notice. Additionally, you need to provide three pieces of information:
Your child’s full legal name, date of birth, and address. This documentation is important, especially for programs like Step Up for Students.
When you finish homeschooling in Florida, whether it be graduation, moving, or returning to school, you must file a Letter of Termination with the district, in accordance with Florida education laws. This step is crucial for those navigating homeschooling Florida, especially if you are involved with programs like Step Up for Students.
In Florida, Step Up for Students empowers families to access flexible and individualized learning through state-funded scholarships, aligning with Florida education laws. These programs provide parents with greater control over their child's educational journey, whether they choose a private school, a public school, or opt for homeschooling in Florida, allowing for a tailored learning environment.
What Is Step Up for Students?
Step Up for Students is a state-approved nonprofit organization that administers K-12 education scholarships in Florida. These scholarships assist families in covering private school tuition, transportation, therapies, curriculum, tutoring, and other approved educational expenses.
The organization oversees several major scholarship programs, including the Family Empowerment Scholarship (FES), Florida Tax Credit Scholarship (FTC), Personalized Education Program (PEP), and the Unique Abilities Scholarship (FES-UA). These scholarships are designed to provide families with meaningful choices and flexibility in shaping their child’s education.
SCHOLARSHIP OPPORTUNITIES
1. Private School Scholarships (FTC & FES-EO)
Available to all Florida K-12 students eligible for public school (no income limit). The average award is about $8,000 per student. Tuition and fees are paid first; remaining funds can be utilized for approved educational expenses such as tutoring or online courses.
2. Family Empowerment Scholarship for Students with Unique Abilities (FES-UA)
- Provides an education savings account (ESA) for students with qualifying disabilities.
- Funds may be allocated for tuition, therapies, specialized services, curriculum, tutoring, assistive technology, and more.
- Eligibility: Florida students ages 3 through grade 12, or up to age 22.
- Award amounts vary by grade level, county, and level of need.
3. Personalized Education Program (PEP) Scholarship
Supports parent-directed learning for students not enrolled in public school or formal home education.
- Available to K-12 students; must be age 5 by September 1.
- The average award is about $8,000. Funds may be used for curriculum, tutors, classes, and educational materials.
Who Is Eligible?
Eligibility varies by scholarship, but many Florida families qualify under one or more categories.
FTC, FES-EO, and PEP are open to all income levels. Families earning up to 300% of the federal poverty level may receive priority if funding becomes limited.
FES-UA is available to students with qualifying disabilities ages 3-22. A diagnosis or IEP/504 Plan is required.
Florida's scholarship programs are designed to give families choices. Whether your child needs a different school environment, specialized therapies, or a parent-directed learning plan, Step Up for Students makes those options possible.